News

Grant is East Lancs company’s expansion passport

AN ALTHAM firm has announced expansion plans after it landed a share of a £23 million Government funding pot.

North West Logistics (NWL) Ltd, based at Altham Business Park, in Shorten Brook Way, plans to build a bespoke 80,000 sq ft warehouse after it successfully applied for a Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant.

The development could see the company, which provides storage and transport services to a range of blue-chip companies across Europe, create up to 25 new jobs and training roles.

Managing director and owner, Stephen Dunn, said he would look to build the new site in Hyndburn.

He said: “The premises we have got at the moment are too small. We’re actually having difficulty operating in the current premises and that’s why we want to build a new one.

“It will be purpose-built and in Hyndburn. We have noticed in the last few months that the economy is improving, and it’s a sustainable recovery.

“The transport sector is a pretty good indicator of recession – we got hit first – and likewise it’s a pretty good indicator of recovery.”

The proposed new ware-house would house NWL’s specialist hazardous product division.

Mr Dunn, whose firm was set up in 2009 and employs 70 staff, said Hyndburn MP Graham Jones had been ‘a great support’ when the company decided to apply for the funding.

The cabinet office confirmed yesterday that NWL was one of seven North West projects to receive a grant in the fifth round of RGF distribution, although neither party would confirm exactly how much the Altham firm would be given to fund growth.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: “The North West has seen major benefits from the Regional Growth Fund already, and the £23 million investment I am annou-ncing today is the latest important part in making sure the recovery is sustainable and balanced across the country.”

Burnley Council, Black-burn with Darwen Council and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire have received RGF money previously.